Football | Versatile Bozin sparks Stevenson

Stevenson quarterback William Bourbon follows his blockers through a hole up the middle. Stevenson defeated Warren 26-13 in the first round of the Class 8A playoffs on Fri., Oct. 25, 2012, at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Ill. (Tracy Allen, Chicago Tribune)

Stevenson senior Anthony Bozin has acquired a few nicknames during his brief football career.

One coach jokingly referred to him as "Showtime." Another thought "Jitterbug" was appropriate.

"Actually, 'Jitterbug' is a good nickname for him," Stevenson coach Bill McNamara said. "He's a quick guy who makes people miss in the open field. Like lightning in a bottle."

As the playoffs enter the second round this weekend, Bozin earned perhaps his best nickname from sophomore quarterback Willie Bourbon. It sums up what he brings to the table and what makes the Patriots so unpredictable: "The X-factor."

"He can do so many great things," Bourbon said. "He can get up the middle for a big gain. He can catch the ball on the edge and make other guys miss. He's just a phenomenal player and a great teammate."

"I've never heard 'X-factor' before," said Bozin, who had 10 catches for 91 yards, ran for two 10-yard touchdowns and had an interception Friday in a 26-13 victory over Warren in a Class 8A opener.

"I do what I can. I'm a senior. I'm just trying to play as much as I can. And if we have a chance to show other teams that we have a lot of weapons, we keep them on their toes. They don't know what's coming next."

What's next for the Patriots (8-2) is a date with Glenbard North (9-1), a 31-24 winner over Fremd. One thing's for certain for Stevenson: Bozin will be on the field — a lot.

"He's an unbelievable athlete. A hard guy to take off the field," McNamara said. "But more than that, he's an unbelievable person. He'll do anything for you. And when good things happen to good kids, we're very proud of them."